urbanSTL

ChrisInDownTown wrote:Maybe that was a joke, but is Hooters still going into the old Mike Shannon's locale? Seem to have just covered up the name for the tiem being?

Yes

I was driving East on Locust from Grand the other day (it still feels weird being two-way) and frankly, I was amazed by how much development is going on. Obviously, quite a few developers have been busy. I hope all the newly renovated storefronts will soon find tenants. I expect the upper levels of these smaller-scale buildings will prove to be quite popular with a variety of businesses.



I can see this area becoming very hip very soon.

I was EXTREMELY pleased to see that the one-level commercial venues (located between 16th and 17th on Washington) have been purchased. I think this area has ALOT of potential for walk-in traffic and privately-owned businesses/restaurants.



More importantly, if this commercial block goes well, it'll help bridge the gap between the major loft district of Ely Walker/Windows/Ventana and the West Loft District (MotorLofts/Westgate/Majestic).

These always had Pyramid signs on them right? If we're talking about the same ones I think that some art recently went up on the walls unless they did that for the tour or something. If we're talking about teh same ones.

This area has emerged at a rapid clip within the last few years, but a lot work still needs to be done. Definitely more streetscape is needed; and the vacant/parking lots need some serious infill. Please....no more closed streets or parking lots. If there are going to be parking lots the city should mandate that they are landscaped/camouflaged - if possible.



Below are some photos I took recently. Excuse the fuzziness of a few of them. Also, I don't have new pics of new lofts on Locust St. because my memory stick maxed out.



Enjoy.

Great to see these pics. Right, some streetscaping & modern infill could really pull this together.

All the more evidence that a modern streetcar needs its first phase built at this end of the 97-Delmar bus route. As the pictures show, there is a lot more activity happening, plus more precedent for a tall urban canyon, stretching from Tucker to Grand, than there is out west of DeBaliviere.

The progression of loft development beginning with Washington Avenue near the heart of the central business district that has emanated outwards to the west, north, and south presents a future challenge: Shall a more efficient form of transportation be constructed to better move people from their homes to downtown?



It is still shocking to imagine how rapidly this progression of redevelopment has occured and how fast it continues. It is possible to enact a pro rata tax whether through creation of a community improvement district, impact fees, or other methods (federal grants?) to help finance improvements to the public infrastructure in the area. I say this because it is obvious how the reconstruction of the Washington Avenue streetscape has added to the surge in redevelopment. Economists would call it political development that sparks or encourages economic development.

All the more evidence that a modern streetcar needs its first phase built at this end of the 97-Delmar bus route

Why not just ride the 97-Delmar bus?

publiceye wrote:

All the more evidence that a modern streetcar needs its first phase built at this end of the 97-Delmar bus route

Why not just ride the 97-Delmar bus?

Because people hate busses.



How many times do I have to say it?

Shall a more efficient form of transportation be constructed to better move people from their homes to downtown?

What does "better" mean in that sentence?

publiceye--



My thoughts on the streetcar vs. bus debate is that the same disadvantages once seen by civic leaders (and the auto industry) of the streetcar are now recognized as assets.



The track-in-the-street meant a lack of flexibility in shifting routes. The freedom of the automobile and bus meant that transit systems were more fluid and malleable. Of course, now, coupled with middle class flight and dwindling support for buses, this means route inconsistency and lack of permanence.



Streetcar tracks communicate a permanent investment in transit more so than buses. Plus, streetcars have a nostalgia to them that tourists eat up. Given the rails, TOD opportunities are better for streetcars as well.



I don't think streetcars (or modern light rail in-street transit) are a panacea to St. Louis's social problems, but they would very likely generate greater ridership than buses. Bring on the Delmar streetcar, I say.

There is a better discussion of the same issue going on here:





http://urbanstlouis.com/urbanstl/viewto ... &start=135

Thanks for the pictures. I'm still disappointed that 21st was closed down for the Adler lofts. I remember when I moved here in 2002, there was nothing in the area except for Schlafly. Guess we can't refilm Escape from New York anymore!!

I'm really happy with the way the Motor Lofts development is turning out - I think it's looking great:







Like AC said, the next step - infill - will really solidify the area. Development on vacant lot pictured in the photo above and on the land in between the Sporting News Lofts and the McGowans' building will really help.

brickandmortar wrote:Thanks for the pictures. I'm still disappointed that 21st was closed down for the Adler lofts. I remember when I moved here in 2002, there was nothing in the area except for Schlafly. Guess we can't refilm Escape from New York anymore!!

I watched that movie 4-5 months back and couldn't recognize any buildings. What was "showcased?"

^Most of those buildings were. See how far they've come!!



http://www.urbanstl.com/viewtopic.php?t ... scape+york

^ Thanks!

The density fetish on this website is out of control. The most vibrant neighborhoods in New York City are mostly low-rise - even townhomes. Vast swathes of Lincoln Park in Chicago are also low, low, low. The "self-sufficient" towers are often soulless and dead and do nothing for their surroundings.



Be careful what you wish for.

You still want it to be dense enough to feel like a city, but I understand you don't want to be crammed in like a pack of sardines.

And about those buses:



There are plenty of cities where middle class people DO ride the bus. If the buses are clean and well built, if they come on time, and if there are shelters at every stop, then buses are the ideal form of transportation.



Recently got back from Madison, WI where the buses were packed constantly with folks going to and from work. In 20-degree weather, there were even yuppie moms with kids in strollers taking the bus.



The failure of the bus system in most places is based on self-fulfilling prophecies and disinvestment.



Fixed rail is a 19th century solution to 21 century problems.

In Denver they have a "Washington Ave" With all the shops etc. So what they do is have dedicated buses just go up and down that one long street. It is free for everyone. Of course they decorate them and everything to distinguish them from the regular transit buses.

Luftmensch wrote:The density fetish on this website is out of control. The most vibrant neighborhoods in New York City are mostly low-rise - even townhomes. Vast swathes of Lincoln Park in Chicago are also low, low, low. The "self-sufficient" towers are often soulless and dead and do nothing for their surroundings.



Be careful what you wish for.

=D> =D> =D>



As I've said many times, give me horizontal density over vertical density any day.



With more of the former, the latter is sure to follow anyway.

Luftmensch wrote:The density fetish on this website is out of control. The most vibrant neighborhoods in New York City are mostly low-rise - even townhomes. Vast swathes of Lincoln Park in Chicago are also low, low, low. The "self-sufficient" towers are often soulless and dead and do nothing for their surroundings.



Be careful what you wish for.

I want density, not necessarily height.